The WAGS Team
The WAGS Team
The WAGS Team
MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON 2011
The Team from Rotary District 9700
Helen Maxwell Partner of PP Lloyd Maxwell RC of Temora
My interest in the Trip Mountains of the Moon to Africa was first inspired by my husband Lloyd who attended a presentation by John Glassford and Fred Loneragan at the Temora Rotary Club. Having a nursing background, the humanitarian side of life has been a passion of mine. Opportunities to work and travel overseas in my early years never presented itself. I have a vested interest in Rotary as my husband is a Rotarian, but since this opportunity to travel with fellow Rotarians and their partners I have had an overwhelming desire to become a fellow Rotarian and assist in the promotion of World Aids Day and the work achieved by Rotary International.
PP Mary Henley-Collopy RC of Temora
I joined Rotary International – to make a difference in the world! I joined Rotary International as a result of enthusiasm shown by friends who had recently joined. Joining the WAGs (Whisky and Gin set) of the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ resulted from the enthusiasm, passion and dedication to the devastation caused by AIDS/HIV in Africa, shown by John Glassford and Fred Loneragan, in a presentation to our Club (Temora) recently.
It is time for me to step out of my comfort zone to experience a new culture, and to see firsthand the benefits of Rotary funding overseas. I want to ‘sit for a moment’ with children (and their carers) who live with AIDS/HIV, to listen to their stories. I want to hear from my Rotary Brothers and Sisters in Africa, of what I can do to make a difference in their communities in the long term. Is it possible God is leading me to Africa, so I may reassure communities over there that the people of Africa and their difficult circumstances, do matter to us? I sincerely hope so!
I already know I will come back with ‘a fire in my belly’ for the children and communities of Africa. I want to come back to Australia having made a difference in the lives of people I met in Africa. It is imperative I come back with an informed perspective – and give a voice to the people of Africa, they cannot deliver for themselves. I want my passion for Africa to inspire others to support the work of Rotarians Fighting For AIDS.
Susan Wingate-Pearse wife and partner of John Glassford
“John is a Kenyan and I visited Kenya for the first time in 2007 with John and the Kili 28/8 team. Prior to that John and I had been to South Africa three times and I was shocked to witness firsthand the conditions that the township people of Cape Town have to live and survive in. Then in Kenya we visited Mathare and it was horrendous, far worse than the townships of Cape Town.
So in my own right as a human being I am going to support this adventure for the children that I have met, and those that I will never meet, who do not deserve to suffer they way they do and they do it with laughter and play. We must help them get an education, which is every human being’s right.”
The Climbers so far:
The Rock near Wagga Wagga our training ground
PDG Fred Loneragan (Climber) RC of Wagga Wagga Sunrise and Rae Loneragan.
Fred Loneragan
Prior to us taking on our role as District Governor in 2008/ 09 we had decided that our project during that year would be “The Orphan Rescue Kit”, when R I President D K Lee announced his theme for his year “To make dreams real” especially for the Children of the world. We were excited as his theme fitted our selected project.
We are seeing significant results in aids Education in Africa; it is our ambition to carry on our support of this programme that will make a difference one day at a time, one child and one household at a time.
The opportunity to Join PP John Glassford team leader and Rotarians for fighting aids board member (RFFA) and others on the Climb to the Mountains of the Moon and as a support group Whisky and Gin set (W A G S) this was a great opportunity and one that will allow us to continue our dreams for the most vulnerable children on earth. We have been well supported by Clubs and Rotarians in this great District in the past for Orphan Rescue, we are confident that we can as a team depend on your support into the future.
PP Mark Janetzki (Climber) RC of Henty
Mark Janetzki
“I joined Rotary in 2004, at the time looking for some way to serve the community. WOW, I had no idea where it would take me in my life. This will be the first time that I plant my feet on the very ground where I can serve humanity in a way. I am looking forward to experiencing some of the heart of Africa. The people and the culture I know will be an eye opener for me. I also have a love of the wilderness. I somehow feel it’s built into me. For me the thought of the climb to the summit of Mount Margherita is whole lot of feelings put together. I am greatly looking forward to the visiting the children, the Rotary clubs, and the beneficiaries of our expedition. I strongly believe that this trip will probably completely change the way that I see the world and its people.”
PP John Glassford (Climber) RC of Coolamon.
John Glassford
“I was touched by an orphan at Mama Amelia’s orphanage in Mfuleni Cape Town in 2002. I do not know her name but she hung onto me all day and I will never forget her, or her circumstances. I was invited to join Rotary by PP David Benn from the RC of Wagga Wagga Wollundry in September 2003. Susan and I then went back to Africa to see what we could do and I have never been the same since. My life was changed totally by Rotary and that orphan lass: I still don’t know her name.
It has been a wonderful journey, but most frustrating at times, when you see what has to be done in Africa to make a difference to the lives of these orphans. Hout Bay Rotary club and their project Operation Medical Hope is one great example of what Rotarians can do and Coolamon House in Hout Bay is a result of the cooperation between our club, Coolamon, the clubs in D9700 and Hout Bay our twin club. This adventure will continue to strengthen our friendship with Hout Bay and to make new and lasting friendships with other Rotarians in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa.”
“Bottom line IS: THE CHILDREN.”
Come climb the beautiful